VETDSS stands for Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students and is also referred to as VETDSSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary School Students). This term has replaced the former acronym we have previously used; VETIS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools).
Whilst the name has evolved, this term generally refers to a program enabling high school students to gain nationally recognised qualifications while at school. Students enrolled in such programs learn hands-on skills and knowledge required for specific industries, preparing them to enter the workforce or move onto a higher level course either during or after school.
VETDSS courses also contribute toward students achieving their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE). This is known in each state and territory by a different name:
- Western Australia, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate (ACTSSC)
- New South Wales, the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC)
- Northern Territory, the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET)
- Queensland, the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
- South Australia, the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
- Tasmania, the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
- Victoria, the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) (which will begin to be phased out commencing in 2023);
